past productions
Joseph and the Amazing techniccolor dream coat
"My husband and I were beyond impressed with how professional it was. Kudos to everyone involved and congratulations to the entire cast!" - Facebook Review
Matilda
the little mermaid
Villainous Ursula shines in Linus Hand Production’s take on ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’.
Actor Tenja Hagenberg brings appropriate level of menace to role WHATSON Dec 10, 2017 by Richard Hutton Niagara This Week - Niagara Falls
Actor Tenja Hagenberg brings appropriate level of menace to role WHATSON Dec 10, 2017 by Richard Hutton Niagara This Week - Niagara Falls
NIAGARA FALLS — An over-the-top performance from Disney’s The Little Mermaid’s villain, Ursula the Sea Witch fuelled a lively production of the House of Mouse’s classic retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen tale.
Tenja Hagenberg was the perfect choice to take on the role of the wild-haired sister of King Triton, who felt cheated out of what she felt was her right to rule the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. She looms as a large presence and steals every scene where she is involved. She exudes menace without being overly frightening for younger fans who populated many of the seats at the Scotiabank Convention Centre’s Fallsview Theatre for the Linus Hand Production’s presentation.
Despite some glitches with backdrops and some awkward set changes, the production hits the mark where it needs to most — capturing the attention of the many children in the audience. They cheer the heroes, gasp at the presence of the Ursula and remain engaged in the story unfolding in front of them, even if many have seen the animated classic movie dozens, if not 100 times.
Niagara Falls native Samantha Heart, one of more than 40 actors to audition, takes on the role of 16-year-old Ariel, who is obsessed with the world above the sea and the humans who inhabit it. She approaches her role with a childlike enthusiasm from the moment she first glides across the stage during the show’s overture.
And that’s one of the fascinating things about the production. To provide the effortless motion needed to give the illusion that the audience is watching an aquatic world, all the humans in sea creature roles wear roller shoes, leaning back on their heels to propel themselves across the stage. Digital backdrops are also employed throughout combined with those of the static variety to provide a more fluid environment.
In addition to the professional actors filling the principal roles of Prince Eric (Ryan Burda), King Triton/chef Louis (Nestor Lozano Jr.), Grimsby (Mark Hand), Sebastian (Preston Vendramin) and the above-mentioned Ursula and Ariel, young actors from Hand’s acting school hold their own, providing the critical mass needed to portray the busy underwater kingdom.
Lozano Jr., as impressive as he is as the imposing King Triton, shines most in the second half of his dual role of the human chef, joyously preparing a feast for Eric and Ariel featuring — gasp — fish.
The show continues next weekend with shows on Dec. 15 and 16. Tickets are $55 for adults and $28 for children under 12. Niagara residents can receive a discount on tickets when ordering them by phone. Discounted tickets are $25 across the board.
Tenja Hagenberg was the perfect choice to take on the role of the wild-haired sister of King Triton, who felt cheated out of what she felt was her right to rule the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. She looms as a large presence and steals every scene where she is involved. She exudes menace without being overly frightening for younger fans who populated many of the seats at the Scotiabank Convention Centre’s Fallsview Theatre for the Linus Hand Production’s presentation.
Despite some glitches with backdrops and some awkward set changes, the production hits the mark where it needs to most — capturing the attention of the many children in the audience. They cheer the heroes, gasp at the presence of the Ursula and remain engaged in the story unfolding in front of them, even if many have seen the animated classic movie dozens, if not 100 times.
Niagara Falls native Samantha Heart, one of more than 40 actors to audition, takes on the role of 16-year-old Ariel, who is obsessed with the world above the sea and the humans who inhabit it. She approaches her role with a childlike enthusiasm from the moment she first glides across the stage during the show’s overture.
And that’s one of the fascinating things about the production. To provide the effortless motion needed to give the illusion that the audience is watching an aquatic world, all the humans in sea creature roles wear roller shoes, leaning back on their heels to propel themselves across the stage. Digital backdrops are also employed throughout combined with those of the static variety to provide a more fluid environment.
In addition to the professional actors filling the principal roles of Prince Eric (Ryan Burda), King Triton/chef Louis (Nestor Lozano Jr.), Grimsby (Mark Hand), Sebastian (Preston Vendramin) and the above-mentioned Ursula and Ariel, young actors from Hand’s acting school hold their own, providing the critical mass needed to portray the busy underwater kingdom.
Lozano Jr., as impressive as he is as the imposing King Triton, shines most in the second half of his dual role of the human chef, joyously preparing a feast for Eric and Ariel featuring — gasp — fish.
The show continues next weekend with shows on Dec. 15 and 16. Tickets are $55 for adults and $28 for children under 12. Niagara residents can receive a discount on tickets when ordering them by phone. Discounted tickets are $25 across the board.
canada day auditions
The City of Niagara Falls is planning a big celebration for July 1st. Linus Hand Productions held auditions for their Beauty & the Beast and Peter Pan shows that will be a part of that special day. Lori Taraba reports.
shrek the musical
Linus Hand Productions is proud to present Shrek the Musical at the Scotiabank Convention Centre.
mary poppins
Mary Poppins pops by convention centre WHATSON Dec 01, 2015 Niagara Falls Review
Karin Johnson stars as Mary Poppins in a new production of the classic opening at Scotiabank Convention Centre Dec. 4. PHOTO: Jeffrey Reese / Special to Postmedia
Karin Johnson stars as Mary Poppins in a new production of the classic opening at Scotiabank Convention Centre Dec. 4. PHOTO: Jeffrey Reese / Special to Postmedia
The world's most famous nanny is heading to the Scotiabank Convention Centre.
For its annual December musical, Linus Hand Productions is busting out the flying umbrellas for Mary Poppins, which producer Hand calls his biggest production since Beauty and the Beast eight years ago. With its mix of professional actors and students from Hand's Niagara Falls drama academy, there will be upwards of 60 people on stage.
It's also the most expensive show he has ever secured the rights to. The stage version to the Disney classic was acquired by legendary producer Cameron McIntosh (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables) in 1993, and its brand name doesn't come cheap.
"It's a monster," says Hand. "(But) it's as friendly to audiences as any play out there. What I mean by that is, it reaches all age groups."
The show uses elements from both the 1964 Disney film and the P.L. Travers books it was based on, and while some things have been removed, there's one aspect you can still bank on: Mary will fly. So will Bert. It's adding to the workload of an already massive show for director Roxanne Rees.
"That requires more attention," she says. "For safety, and making sure the choreography works with the music. There's also all of the magic tricks - you need that illusion. Mary's got magic, and I've got non-magicians trying to figure out what the tricks are!"
The show stars Karin Johnson as Mary and Gavin Bowerman as Burt, along with Kendra Williams (Mrs. Banks) and Preston Vendramin (Mr. Banks). It's at the convention centre for six shows starting Dec. 4.
"Everybody's waiting for Julie Andrews," says Reese. "Everybody has grown up with those wonderful songs – A Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocous – so it's very important to find the right person. That has that charismatic attitude, the gestures, the posture, that the audience can attach to."
Rees has previously directed Into the Woods and Hairspray for Linus Hand Productions, and was technical director for last December's production of The Wizard of Oz.
[email protected]
WHAT: Mary Poppins
WHERE: Scotiabank Convention Centre; 6815 Stanley Avenue; Niagara Falls
WHEN: Dec. 4 to 12
TICKETS: Start at $25 for locals. 905-357-7008 or [email protected]
For its annual December musical, Linus Hand Productions is busting out the flying umbrellas for Mary Poppins, which producer Hand calls his biggest production since Beauty and the Beast eight years ago. With its mix of professional actors and students from Hand's Niagara Falls drama academy, there will be upwards of 60 people on stage.
It's also the most expensive show he has ever secured the rights to. The stage version to the Disney classic was acquired by legendary producer Cameron McIntosh (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables) in 1993, and its brand name doesn't come cheap.
"It's a monster," says Hand. "(But) it's as friendly to audiences as any play out there. What I mean by that is, it reaches all age groups."
The show uses elements from both the 1964 Disney film and the P.L. Travers books it was based on, and while some things have been removed, there's one aspect you can still bank on: Mary will fly. So will Bert. It's adding to the workload of an already massive show for director Roxanne Rees.
"That requires more attention," she says. "For safety, and making sure the choreography works with the music. There's also all of the magic tricks - you need that illusion. Mary's got magic, and I've got non-magicians trying to figure out what the tricks are!"
The show stars Karin Johnson as Mary and Gavin Bowerman as Burt, along with Kendra Williams (Mrs. Banks) and Preston Vendramin (Mr. Banks). It's at the convention centre for six shows starting Dec. 4.
"Everybody's waiting for Julie Andrews," says Reese. "Everybody has grown up with those wonderful songs – A Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocous – so it's very important to find the right person. That has that charismatic attitude, the gestures, the posture, that the audience can attach to."
Rees has previously directed Into the Woods and Hairspray for Linus Hand Productions, and was technical director for last December's production of The Wizard of Oz.
[email protected]
WHAT: Mary Poppins
WHERE: Scotiabank Convention Centre; 6815 Stanley Avenue; Niagara Falls
WHEN: Dec. 4 to 12
TICKETS: Start at $25 for locals. 905-357-7008 or [email protected]
more shows & media
Quotes
"Striving to combine the elements of professional and community theatre under one roof!" Linus Hand - Producer
“Professional, very appealing to children and adults” – Rosalie Campigotto Grade 2 teacher St Thomas More.
“Absolutely fantastic, out of this world” – Rhonda Grenier Principal Burleigh Hill School, Thorold
"Razzle-dazzle energy and warm hearted appeal!" – Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Mesmerizing”– Monique Smith St Thomas More Elementary
“It just keeps getting better! Can't wait for more” – Ashley Taylor
“A completely professional show locally, you don,t have to go to Toronto” – Sandy Giancarlo Principal Glynn A. Green School Fonthill.
"Bright, bouncy and beautiful - a perfect piece of summertime family entertainment.." – Richard Ouzounian
"Razzle-dazzle energy and warm hearted appeal!" – Minneapolis Star TribuneLinus was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2014 and awarded the Community
Service Award in 2010
“A great experience for students of all ages to see a spectacular performance”– Jennifer Reid George Vice Principal Sir Winston Churchill Secondary.
“A wonderful opportunity for students to attend live theatre productions in the Niagara Peninsula” – Rhonda Smith Principal Pine Grove School. St Catharines
“A fascinating and beautiful presentation” – Mary Byers St. Thomas More Elementary
“Mesmerizing”– Monique Smith St Thomas More Elementary“Professional, very appealing to children and adults” – Rosalie Campigotto Grade
2 teacher St Thomas More.
"Two Thumbs Up" – Toni Artista Marsh & Tasha Candeloro, teacher St. Thomas More Elementary School
“Absolutely fantastic, out of this world” – Rhonda Grenier Principal Burleigh Hill School, Thorold
“Phenomenal, felt like you were on Broadway” – Pam Voth Principal
About Linus Hand
Linus hand was born in Scotland and moved to Canada in 1967, then moved to Niagara Falls in 1987.
Linus was the general manager of the Royal Alexandra and the Princess of Wales theatre in Toronto from 1990 to 2004.
In 2005, as executive producer Linus brought Disney’s Aladdin to Niagara Falls. This was followed by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, Scrooge and Disney’s High School Musical.
At the Scotiabank Convention Centre Theatre, Linus Hand Productions has presented Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Peter Pan and Oliver. Additionally Linus has produced RENT, Bodies the Exhibit and the Disney Princess Show.
With his Production company, our local children have had the opportunity to study drama, singing, and choreography with professional artists. Linus founded and continues to over-see the Linus Hand Drama Academy as well as summer musical theatre camps.
Linus has generously provided thousands of tickets to performances insuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience live professional theatre. In fact, one thousand tickets for each production are donated to those who cannot afford to attend. In addition two thousand children from our local school boards are provided with complimentary tickets with the help of community partners. Thanks to Linus thousands of Niagara residents have been introduced to the magical experience of professional music theatre.
"Striving to combine the elements of professional and community theatre under one roof!" Linus Hand - Producer
“Professional, very appealing to children and adults” – Rosalie Campigotto Grade 2 teacher St Thomas More.
“Absolutely fantastic, out of this world” – Rhonda Grenier Principal Burleigh Hill School, Thorold
"Razzle-dazzle energy and warm hearted appeal!" – Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Mesmerizing”– Monique Smith St Thomas More Elementary
“It just keeps getting better! Can't wait for more” – Ashley Taylor
“A completely professional show locally, you don,t have to go to Toronto” – Sandy Giancarlo Principal Glynn A. Green School Fonthill.
"Bright, bouncy and beautiful - a perfect piece of summertime family entertainment.." – Richard Ouzounian
"Razzle-dazzle energy and warm hearted appeal!" – Minneapolis Star TribuneLinus was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2014 and awarded the Community
Service Award in 2010
“A great experience for students of all ages to see a spectacular performance”– Jennifer Reid George Vice Principal Sir Winston Churchill Secondary.
“A wonderful opportunity for students to attend live theatre productions in the Niagara Peninsula” – Rhonda Smith Principal Pine Grove School. St Catharines
“A fascinating and beautiful presentation” – Mary Byers St. Thomas More Elementary
“Mesmerizing”– Monique Smith St Thomas More Elementary“Professional, very appealing to children and adults” – Rosalie Campigotto Grade
2 teacher St Thomas More.
"Two Thumbs Up" – Toni Artista Marsh & Tasha Candeloro, teacher St. Thomas More Elementary School
“Absolutely fantastic, out of this world” – Rhonda Grenier Principal Burleigh Hill School, Thorold
“Phenomenal, felt like you were on Broadway” – Pam Voth Principal
About Linus Hand
Linus hand was born in Scotland and moved to Canada in 1967, then moved to Niagara Falls in 1987.
Linus was the general manager of the Royal Alexandra and the Princess of Wales theatre in Toronto from 1990 to 2004.
In 2005, as executive producer Linus brought Disney’s Aladdin to Niagara Falls. This was followed by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, Scrooge and Disney’s High School Musical.
At the Scotiabank Convention Centre Theatre, Linus Hand Productions has presented Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Peter Pan and Oliver. Additionally Linus has produced RENT, Bodies the Exhibit and the Disney Princess Show.
With his Production company, our local children have had the opportunity to study drama, singing, and choreography with professional artists. Linus founded and continues to over-see the Linus Hand Drama Academy as well as summer musical theatre camps.
Linus has generously provided thousands of tickets to performances insuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience live professional theatre. In fact, one thousand tickets for each production are donated to those who cannot afford to attend. In addition two thousand children from our local school boards are provided with complimentary tickets with the help of community partners. Thanks to Linus thousands of Niagara residents have been introduced to the magical experience of professional music theatre.
Shrek makes believers for Falls musical
A green ogre is moving into the Scotiabank Convention Centre.
For its annual December musical, Linus Hand Productions has reeled in Shrek the Musical for six performances starting Dec. 9. With a huge cast of professional actors and about 50 students from Hand's drama academy on Thorold Stone Road, it's a show he has eyed for years hoping the rights became available.
It's the most modern show he has staged, after the likes of Mary Poppins and Annie in recent years.
“As good as Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz were, they're both about 50 years old,” he says. “So the humour's about 50 years old.
“Whereas the humour in Shrek is really, really funny. I saw it a few years ago and thought 'I'd love to do it if the rights come up.'”
Based on the massively popular 2001 animated movie (which itself was based on a 1990 picture book), Shrek the Musical opened on Broadway in 1998 and played for more than a year, earning eight Tony nominations. Despite its popularity, the production struggled to recoup its $25 million budget.
A more streamlined version appeared in 2010, and proved successful on the West End and for a lengthy run in London. It has played in nearly 20 countries since.
With a plot closely following the first film, Hand says the musical also works for adults because of its cheeky approach to fairy tales “and Disney in particular.”
Director Maria Correll, who started her career with The Second City in Chicago, says the show – like the movie – has a strong message beyond the laughs and slapstick.
“It's such a great message about inclusion, and being who you are,” she says. “Being happy with who you are and not hiding. It's very much a parable for these times as well, and I love that the kids are getting that message.”
The show will lean on professional actors for the four key roles: Hamilton's Dave DiFrancesco (Shrek), Toronto's Lauran Olmstead (Fiona), Toronto's Gavin Bowerman (Lord Farquaad) and former Niagara Falls resident Preston Vendramin (Donkey).
“It's not just a kids show,” says Bowerman. “It's a fairy tale that adults really appreciate, not just tolerate.”
“It has a lot of heart,” adds DiFrancesco. “It has a great message about being yourself and being okay with that. Which is great to see, especially in a fairy tale setting. It's not so much about 'perfect love.'”
By John Law, Niagara Falls Review
There's beauty in this beast
The vaguely familiar songs echo off old lockers in the hallway.
A piano prompts 15 people to hit the hardwood in a long empty gymnasium.
In the back rooms and corridors of this former high school, the sounds of "Beauty and the Beast" are everywhere. For the next two months, Kingston College has become Disney Central.
A casual stroll through the place tells you this is a big deal. There are huge, colourful sets everywhere. A massive lighting system is being installed. And if you follow the voices, you'll find a cast of professional actors whipping the musical into shape for a month-long run at the college's newly named, newly renovated Niagara Centre for the Performing Arts.
Big? Huge, actually. At $2 million, it's the largest theatrical show to ever hit this city.
It is the exact same production of "Beauty and the Beast" that played the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto and wrapped up a 14-year stint on Broadway over the summer.
Director Raquel Duffy has been through it before. Last summer, for instance, when she staged an acclaimed production of Disney's "Aladdin, Jr." at the Greg Frewin Theatre - the first effort by Niagara company Silver Mist Productions.
Even before that show debuted, the company had purchased the sets for "Beauty and the Beast" from another theatre. It required two transport trucks to bring it to Niagara Falls.
The hype machine has been humming for months. The show's two stars offered a sneak peek at the Winter Festival of Lights opening. Schools have been snatching up tickets for a week of matinees.
Next week, the Beast finally breaks free.
"Compared to Aladdin, it's double, maybe triple the size," says Duffy, who brought a handful of cast members back for the follow-up, including Ashley Taylor as Belle.
But it's not just the show that's bigger, it's the expectations. As a film, "Beauty and the Beast" was among the last of Disney's traditional animated classics and is still the only animated film to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. It won Oscars for Best Song and Best Original Score.
"It's just better written," says Duffy without hesitation. "You know a show is well-written when you're looking for places to shave off minutes and it's hard to do.
"I find the themes more relevant and it's just been around longer. There was more time to play with it. At the heart of it is a beautiful love story and an unexpected one.
"It's a story we're all familiar with and that's a tricky thing, because it was a film first. There are all these kids coming in expecting these characters to talk and look a certain way and they know this story inside and out. We're trying to keep the integrity of that while telling our own story ... making it ours."
THEY SAY baseball is a game of inches. So is live theatre ... at least at this level.
The cast has just finished an energetic run-through of "Beauty and the Beast's" opening number and choreographer Mary Lou Martin is pointing at their feet. A few are off their mark by half a step. Some are an inch or two in the wrong place.
It's the first week of rehearsal, but she's already seeing the show through the audience's eyes.
"If you're ever behind someone, step out," she says, before cueing musical director MJ Johnson to begin again.
At the centre of the hustle bustle is Taylor, a radiant 23-year-old with - if there is such a thing - a perfect Disney face. It's her second Silver Mist show and her second lead role.
"I had a fantastic time (last summer)," she says. "It was a wonderful group of people; lots of talent on stage and off stage.
"Everyone was very passionate about being part of a new company from the ground up. We really learned about the business, how it works and what needs to be done."
Co-star Gabriel Burrafato, playing the Beast, was a huge fan of the Toronto version and can see something special brewing in Niagara Falls.
"It's got substance ... I mean, the score, the lyrics, you've got some pros working there."
The 34-year-old actor can already feel a "family" atmosphere starting with the show, which bodes well. He has seen productions ruined by backstage egos.
It didn't take long for Taylor to impress him.
"When you get a diva mentality, it does affect the whole company," he says.
"Especially when you're playing opposite someone in a romantic role," adds Taylor. "There needs to be some kind of chemistry there. Fortunately, Gabriel and I get along very well."
Manitoba's Mark Harapiak is the third piece of the show's love triangle. As the villainous Gaston, he has some of the best lines and snappiest scenes.
"It's just so cool that a theatre company like this started here," he says. "It's amazing they found this niche."
Now that the niche is filled, Duffy has one simple goal - leave the crowd, and cast, wanting more.
"I think most of the ("Aladdin") cast were interested in coming back here to work," says Duffy. "I love it here. We still have to do the Criminal Hall of Fame."
By John Law, Niagara Falls Review
A green ogre is moving into the Scotiabank Convention Centre.
For its annual December musical, Linus Hand Productions has reeled in Shrek the Musical for six performances starting Dec. 9. With a huge cast of professional actors and about 50 students from Hand's drama academy on Thorold Stone Road, it's a show he has eyed for years hoping the rights became available.
It's the most modern show he has staged, after the likes of Mary Poppins and Annie in recent years.
“As good as Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz were, they're both about 50 years old,” he says. “So the humour's about 50 years old.
“Whereas the humour in Shrek is really, really funny. I saw it a few years ago and thought 'I'd love to do it if the rights come up.'”
Based on the massively popular 2001 animated movie (which itself was based on a 1990 picture book), Shrek the Musical opened on Broadway in 1998 and played for more than a year, earning eight Tony nominations. Despite its popularity, the production struggled to recoup its $25 million budget.
A more streamlined version appeared in 2010, and proved successful on the West End and for a lengthy run in London. It has played in nearly 20 countries since.
With a plot closely following the first film, Hand says the musical also works for adults because of its cheeky approach to fairy tales “and Disney in particular.”
Director Maria Correll, who started her career with The Second City in Chicago, says the show – like the movie – has a strong message beyond the laughs and slapstick.
“It's such a great message about inclusion, and being who you are,” she says. “Being happy with who you are and not hiding. It's very much a parable for these times as well, and I love that the kids are getting that message.”
The show will lean on professional actors for the four key roles: Hamilton's Dave DiFrancesco (Shrek), Toronto's Lauran Olmstead (Fiona), Toronto's Gavin Bowerman (Lord Farquaad) and former Niagara Falls resident Preston Vendramin (Donkey).
“It's not just a kids show,” says Bowerman. “It's a fairy tale that adults really appreciate, not just tolerate.”
“It has a lot of heart,” adds DiFrancesco. “It has a great message about being yourself and being okay with that. Which is great to see, especially in a fairy tale setting. It's not so much about 'perfect love.'”
By John Law, Niagara Falls Review
There's beauty in this beast
The vaguely familiar songs echo off old lockers in the hallway.
A piano prompts 15 people to hit the hardwood in a long empty gymnasium.
In the back rooms and corridors of this former high school, the sounds of "Beauty and the Beast" are everywhere. For the next two months, Kingston College has become Disney Central.
A casual stroll through the place tells you this is a big deal. There are huge, colourful sets everywhere. A massive lighting system is being installed. And if you follow the voices, you'll find a cast of professional actors whipping the musical into shape for a month-long run at the college's newly named, newly renovated Niagara Centre for the Performing Arts.
Big? Huge, actually. At $2 million, it's the largest theatrical show to ever hit this city.
It is the exact same production of "Beauty and the Beast" that played the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto and wrapped up a 14-year stint on Broadway over the summer.
Director Raquel Duffy has been through it before. Last summer, for instance, when she staged an acclaimed production of Disney's "Aladdin, Jr." at the Greg Frewin Theatre - the first effort by Niagara company Silver Mist Productions.
Even before that show debuted, the company had purchased the sets for "Beauty and the Beast" from another theatre. It required two transport trucks to bring it to Niagara Falls.
The hype machine has been humming for months. The show's two stars offered a sneak peek at the Winter Festival of Lights opening. Schools have been snatching up tickets for a week of matinees.
Next week, the Beast finally breaks free.
"Compared to Aladdin, it's double, maybe triple the size," says Duffy, who brought a handful of cast members back for the follow-up, including Ashley Taylor as Belle.
But it's not just the show that's bigger, it's the expectations. As a film, "Beauty and the Beast" was among the last of Disney's traditional animated classics and is still the only animated film to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. It won Oscars for Best Song and Best Original Score.
"It's just better written," says Duffy without hesitation. "You know a show is well-written when you're looking for places to shave off minutes and it's hard to do.
"I find the themes more relevant and it's just been around longer. There was more time to play with it. At the heart of it is a beautiful love story and an unexpected one.
"It's a story we're all familiar with and that's a tricky thing, because it was a film first. There are all these kids coming in expecting these characters to talk and look a certain way and they know this story inside and out. We're trying to keep the integrity of that while telling our own story ... making it ours."
THEY SAY baseball is a game of inches. So is live theatre ... at least at this level.
The cast has just finished an energetic run-through of "Beauty and the Beast's" opening number and choreographer Mary Lou Martin is pointing at their feet. A few are off their mark by half a step. Some are an inch or two in the wrong place.
It's the first week of rehearsal, but she's already seeing the show through the audience's eyes.
"If you're ever behind someone, step out," she says, before cueing musical director MJ Johnson to begin again.
At the centre of the hustle bustle is Taylor, a radiant 23-year-old with - if there is such a thing - a perfect Disney face. It's her second Silver Mist show and her second lead role.
"I had a fantastic time (last summer)," she says. "It was a wonderful group of people; lots of talent on stage and off stage.
"Everyone was very passionate about being part of a new company from the ground up. We really learned about the business, how it works and what needs to be done."
Co-star Gabriel Burrafato, playing the Beast, was a huge fan of the Toronto version and can see something special brewing in Niagara Falls.
"It's got substance ... I mean, the score, the lyrics, you've got some pros working there."
The 34-year-old actor can already feel a "family" atmosphere starting with the show, which bodes well. He has seen productions ruined by backstage egos.
It didn't take long for Taylor to impress him.
"When you get a diva mentality, it does affect the whole company," he says.
"Especially when you're playing opposite someone in a romantic role," adds Taylor. "There needs to be some kind of chemistry there. Fortunately, Gabriel and I get along very well."
Manitoba's Mark Harapiak is the third piece of the show's love triangle. As the villainous Gaston, he has some of the best lines and snappiest scenes.
"It's just so cool that a theatre company like this started here," he says. "It's amazing they found this niche."
Now that the niche is filled, Duffy has one simple goal - leave the crowd, and cast, wanting more.
"I think most of the ("Aladdin") cast were interested in coming back here to work," says Duffy. "I love it here. We still have to do the Criminal Hall of Fame."
By John Law, Niagara Falls Review